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# Top SQL Server Alternatives & Competitors For 2026 

Last Updated: July 21st, 2026 

Looking for alternatives to [SQL Server](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/sql-server/)? Many users crave user-friendly and feature-rich solutions for tasks like Data Definition and Manipulation, Querying, and Transaction Management. Leveraging crowdsourced data from over 1,000 real [Relational Databases](https://www.selecthub.com/c/relational-database-solutions/) selection projects based on 400+ capabilities, we present a comparison of SQL Server to leading industry alternatives like IBM DB2, Oracle Database, Amazon RDS, and Azure SQL Database. 

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Select Product Amazon Aurora Amazon RDS Apache Phoenix Azure SQL Database Firebird Google Cloud SQL HSQLDB IBM DB2 MariaDB MySQL Oracle Database PostgreSQL SAP ASE SAP HANA Cloud SQL Server SQLite 

[![SQL Server Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/a666587afda6e89aec274a3657558a27-8759bcb7bc50f5bc4ab9ba5877a2585f/resources/normal/logo.png?1693316169)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/sql-server/) 

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Select Product Amazon Aurora Amazon RDS Apache Phoenix Azure SQL Database Firebird Google Cloud SQL HSQLDB IBM DB2 MariaDB MySQL Oracle Database PostgreSQL SAP ASE SAP HANA Cloud SQL Server SQLite 

[![IBM DB2 Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/89f0fd5c927d466d6ec9a21b9ac34ffa-8c0a9abe88dccc0177aff2648bfc8b12/resources/normal/logo.png?1729564751)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/ibm-db2/) 

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Select Product Amazon Aurora Amazon RDS Apache Phoenix Azure SQL Database Firebird Google Cloud SQL HSQLDB IBM DB2 MariaDB MySQL Oracle Database PostgreSQL SAP ASE SAP HANA Cloud SQL Server SQLite 

[![Oracle Database Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/cd00692c3bfe59267d5ecfac5310286c-0c37a04230fb9788489ccae13a89a5d1/resources/normal/logo.png?1729565910)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/oracle-database/) 

[ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) 

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Select Product Amazon Aurora Amazon RDS Apache Phoenix Azure SQL Database Firebird Google Cloud SQL HSQLDB IBM DB2 MariaDB MySQL Oracle Database PostgreSQL SAP ASE SAP HANA Cloud SQL Server SQLite 

[![Amazon RDS Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/c4f48c98a227f6dd2cdbd6a30dac6082-6a57669f6220ad1de10f975485958fe1/resources/normal/logo.png?1729564079)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/amazon-rds/) 

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Remove Add to Compare 

Select Product Amazon Aurora Amazon RDS Apache Phoenix Azure SQL Database Firebird Google Cloud SQL HSQLDB IBM DB2 MariaDB MySQL Oracle Database PostgreSQL SAP ASE SAP HANA Cloud SQL Server SQLite 

[![Azure SQL Database Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/e68d60edfb709b5834cb5e9286b4ce4b-aba371e2ea1fba5ee611cb2f02e69e1a/resources/normal/logo.png?1729564170)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/azure-sql-database/) 

[ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) 

[Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Relational+Databases&product%5Fname=SQL%2BServer&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fa666587afda6e89aec274a3657558a27-8759bcb7bc50f5bc4ab9ba5877a2585f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693316169) 

[Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Relational+Databases&product%5Fname=IBM%2BDB2&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F89f0fd5c927d466d6ec9a21b9ac34ffa-8c0a9abe88dccc0177aff2648bfc8b12%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1729564751) 

[Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Relational+Databases&product%5Fname=Oracle%2BDatabase&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fcd00692c3bfe59267d5ecfac5310286c-0c37a04230fb9788489ccae13a89a5d1%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1729565910) 

[Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Relational+Databases&product%5Fname=Amazon%2BRDS&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fc4f48c98a227f6dd2cdbd6a30dac6082-6a57669f6220ad1de10f975485958fe1%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1729564079) 

[Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Relational+Databases&product%5Fname=Azure%2BSQL%2BDatabase&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fe68d60edfb709b5834cb5e9286b4ce4b-aba371e2ea1fba5ee611cb2f02e69e1a%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1729564170) 

### Product Insights 

 Overall Rating Comparison 

[ Analyst Rating SQL Server - Analyst Score: 81 out of 100 81 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [  User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (7780 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) 

[ Analyst Rating IBM DB2 - Analyst Score: 83 out of 100 83 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [  User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (1235 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) 

[ Analyst Rating Oracle Database - Analyst Score: 84 out of 100 84 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [  User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (3793 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) 

[ Analyst Rating Amazon RDS - Analyst Score: 76 out of 100 76 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [  User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (1560 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) 

[ Analyst Rating Azure SQL Database - Analyst Score: 80 out of 100 80 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [  User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (843 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) 

Price Starts From 

$1,418 Annually 

[Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=SQL Server&category=Relational Databases&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/a666587afda6e89aec274a3657558a27-8759bcb7bc50f5bc4ab9ba5877a2585f/resources/normal/logo.png?1693316169) 

$1,373 Monthly, Freemium 

[Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=IBM DB2&category=Relational Databases&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/89f0fd5c927d466d6ec9a21b9ac34ffa-8c0a9abe88dccc0177aff2648bfc8b12/resources/normal/logo.png?1729564751) 

$0.1075/vCPU Hour, Usage-Based 

[Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Oracle Database&category=Relational Databases&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/cd00692c3bfe59267d5ecfac5310286c-0c37a04230fb9788489ccae13a89a5d1/resources/normal/logo.png?1729565910) 

$0.075/vCPU Hour, Usage-Based, Freemium 

[Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Amazon RDS&category=Relational Databases&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/c4f48c98a227f6dd2cdbd6a30dac6082-6a57669f6220ad1de10f975485958fe1/resources/normal/logo.png?1729564079) 

$0.378/vCore Hour, Usage-Based, Freemium 

[Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Azure SQL Database&category=Relational Databases&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/e68d60edfb709b5834cb5e9286b4ce4b-aba371e2ea1fba5ee611cb2f02e69e1a/resources/normal/logo.png?1729564170) 

Pros 

* **Reliability and Performance:** Users consistently praise SQL Server's stability, speed, and ability to handle large, complex workloads with minimal downtime.
* **Security:** SQL Server offers robust security features, including multi-layered encryption, access controls, and active threat detection, to safeguard sensitive data.
* **Scalability:** Users appreciate the ability to easily scale SQL Server to meet evolving data needs without compromising performance or incurring significant costs.
* **Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem:** Seamless integration with other Microsoft tools and services, such as Azure cloud services and Power BI, enhances productivity and data management capabilities.

* **Scalability for Large Datasets:** IBM DB2 excels in managing large datasets, making it suitable for applications that demand high scalability and performance as data volumes grow.
* **Strong Security Features:** DB2 is known for its robust security features, including encryption and access controls, making it a suitable choice for businesses handling sensitive information.
* **User-Friendly Interface:** Many users praise DB2 for its ease of use and administration, particularly its straightforward installation process, which simplifies setup and management tasks.

* **High Performance:** Oracle Database is known for its speed in processing large volumes of data and transactions, making it suitable for applications that require quick response times.
* **Scalability:** Oracle Database is designed to handle growing data volumes and user loads. It allows businesses to add hardware resources or servers as needed, ensuring optimal performance even as requirements evolve.
* **Robust Security:** Oracle Database is equipped with advanced security features, including role-based access control and data encryption, to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and threats.

* **Automated Management:** Amazon RDS automates time-consuming tasks such as provisioning, patching, and backups, freeing up database administrators to focus on more strategic initiatives.
* **Scalability and Performance:** Users can easily scale their database resources up or down based on their needs, ensuring optimal performance for their applications.
* **Cost-Effectiveness:** Amazon RDS offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, allowing users to pay only for the resources they consume.
* **Security:** Amazon RDS provides robust security features, including encryption at rest and in transit, network isolation, and integration with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM).

* **High Availability:** Azure SQL Database offers peace of mind by ensuring your data is always accessible, even during outages, thanks to its robust built-in disaster recovery features.
* **Scalability:** Easily adjust your database resources up or down based on your business needs, ensuring optimal performance without the hassle of managing hardware.
* **Security:** Benefit from top-notch security measures, including encryption and authentication, to safeguard your valuable data within the Azure cloud environment.

Cons 

* **Licensing Cost:** Can be expensive for large deployments, especially with Enterprise editions and complex licensing requirements.
* **Complexity:** Managing and maintaining SQL Server, particularly in large environments, can require specialized skills and expertise.
* **Limited Cloud Flexibility:** While Azure SQL Managed Instance offers managed cloud services, on-premises deployments might require additional effort for cloud migration and management.
* **Vendor Lock-in:** Switching from SQL Server to other database systems can be complex due to its proprietary nature and T-SQL language.

* **Cost:** IBM Db2 is a significant investment, potentially straining IT budgets, especially for smaller companies.
* **Resource Intensive:** Db2 requires robust hardware for optimal performance, which can increase operational costs.
* **Complex User Interface:** Some users find the interface and tools less intuitive compared to other database management systems, leading to a steeper learning curve.

* **High Cost:** Oracle Database is known for its expensive licensing and support fees, making it a significant investment, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
* **Complexity:** Oracle Database is a sophisticated system that often requires specialized expertise to install, manage, and troubleshoot effectively. This complexity can lead to a steep learning curve for new users and increase the demand for skilled (and highly paid) database administrators.
* **Licensing Issues:** Oracle's licensing structure is often criticized for being intricate and lacking transparency. This complexity can lead to unintentional compliance issues and unexpected costs during audits.

* **Vendor Lock-in:** Migrating away from Amazon RDS can be complex, potentially causing businesses to remain reliant on AWS even if other providers become more suitable.
* **Performance Variability:** While generally reliable, performance can fluctuate based on factors like shared resources and instance size, potentially impacting applications with strict performance requirements.

* **Limited Control:** While Azure SQL database offers managed services, it reduces the level of control businesses have over their database infrastructure compared to on-premises solutions. This can be a drawback for companies with specific compliance or regulatory needs.
* **Potential for Higher Costs:** Depending on usage patterns and chosen service tiers, Azure SQL database can become more expensive than on-premises SQL Server deployments, especially for businesses with consistent and predictable workloads.
* **Latency Considerations:** As with any cloud-based solution, there might be latency considerations compared to on-premises databases, especially for businesses dealing with real-time applications or those located geographically far from Azure data centers.

### Our Review 

 SQL Server continues to be a popular choice for database management, with user reviews highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Reliability and performance remain key selling points. Users praise its stability, speed, and ability to handle demanding workloads, making it a trusted choice for mission-critical applications. However, licensing costs can be a significant barrier, especially for larger deployments compared to open-source alternatives like PostgreSQL. Security is another forte, with users appreciating its multi-layered approach to protecting sensitive data. However, its complexity can be daunting, requiring specialized skills for administration and maintenance, particularly in larger environments. While Azure SQL Managed Instance offers managed cloud services, some users find on-premises deployments less flexible for cloud migration. Users acknowledge its rich set of tools and features, including SSMS, SSDT, and SSRS, for efficient database management, development, and analysis. Yet, they recognize vendor lock-in as a potential drawback, as switching to other systems can be challenging due to its proprietary nature and T-SQL language. Overall, SQL Server's reliability, performance, and security are highly valued. However, its cost, complexity, and limited cloud flexibility are common concerns. Users compare it favorably to PostgreSQL for affordability and open-source nature, while acknowledging its less mature feature set. Oracle Database is seen as a competitor for large-scale enterprise deployments, but users note its even higher cost and complexity. Ultimately, the choice comes down to specific needs and priorities. For users prioritizing reliability, security, and integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, SQL Server remains a compelling option. However, those seeking flexibility, lower costs, or open-source options might find PostgreSQL or other alternatives more attractive. 

Show more 

 Is IBM Db2 all its cracked up to be, or does it fall flat? IBM Db2 is a powerful database management system known for its scalability, reliability, and security features. Users consistently praise its stability and performance, particularly its ability to efficiently handle large data volumes. For instance, its advanced query optimization and parallel processing capabilities contribute to faster response times, making it a top choice for enterprises with demanding requirements. However, some users find the initial setup process complex and the user interface less intuitive compared to other systems. Additionally, while Db2 offers robust security features like encryption and access controls, its robust features and capabilities come at a significant cost, potentially posing a barrier for smaller businesses. Overall, IBM Db2 is best suited for large enterprises and organizations with high data volumes, complex workloads, and stringent security needs. Its ability to handle massive datasets efficiently, coupled with its robust security features, makes it a compelling choice for industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications. However, smaller businesses with limited budgets and technical expertise may find alternative database solutions more cost-effective and manageable. 

Show more 

 Is Oracle Database the oracle of data management solutions, or is it just another pretender to the throne? User reviews from the last year paint a picture of a powerful but pricey platform. Oracle Database consistently receives accolades for its ability to handle massive datasets and transaction-heavy workloads without breaking a sweat. For instance, one user, an enterprise architect, praised Oracle's ability to create a "practically invincible" cluster when configured correctly. This robustness makes it a favorite for large enterprises with mission-critical applications that demand unwavering stability and performance. However, the high cost of licensing is a recurring pain point, often cited as a significant barrier to entry, especially for smaller organizations. One reviewer, a small business owner, noted that while Oracle's scalability and security features are impressive, the licensing fees can be a tough pill to swallow for businesses with limited budgets. Another user, a consultant, pointed out that the complexity of the system often necessitates hiring specialized and expensive staff, further driving up the overall cost. This cost factor is a key differentiator compared to open-source alternatives or even other commercial databases like Microsoft SQL Server, which often offer more budget-friendly options. In conclusion, Oracle Database is like a high-performance sports car: powerful, prestigious, but expensive to own and maintain. It's a great fit for large enterprises and organizations with deep pockets and demanding needs, but smaller businesses and those with tighter budgets might find more cost-effective solutions elsewhere. 

Show more 

 Is Amazon RDS the real deal for managing relational databases? User reviews from the past year paint a largely positive picture, highlighting its robust feature set and ease of use for experienced data professionals. Users praise its stability and power, emphasizing its suitability for handling demanding workloads. The platform's scalability is a major plus, allowing users to easily adjust resources based on their needs, which is particularly beneficial for applications with fluctuating demands. Integration with other Amazon Web Services is also seamless, simplifying workflows and enhancing overall efficiency. However, some users find Amazon RDS less beginner-friendly compared to competitors like Microsoft Azure SQL Database and MongoDB Atlas. The learning curve, while not insurmountable, might pose a challenge for those new to cloud-based database management. Another area for improvement, as highlighted by some users, is the integration with third-party identity providers for enhanced security. While Amazon RDS offers robust security features, tighter integration with platforms like Okta or Microsoft Entra would further strengthen its security posture and address potential vulnerabilities. Overall, Amazon RDS emerges as a powerful and reliable solution best suited for experienced data professionals and businesses with demanding database needs. Its scalability, robust feature set, and seamless integration with the AWS ecosystem make it a compelling choice for organizations seeking a comprehensive database management solution. However, those new to cloud databases might find the learning curve steeper compared to some competitors. 

Show more 

 Is Azure SQL Database really the key to unlocking your data's potential? User reviews from the past year paint a somewhat mixed picture of this popular cloud database service. While Azure SQL Database earns praise for its robust scalability and seamless integration with other Azure services, some users have raised concerns about its cost and complexity compared to competitors like Amazon RDS. For instance, one user lauded Azure SQL Database's ability to effortlessly handle massive datasets thanks to its Hyperscale service tier, a feature they found lacking in competing solutions. However, another user expressed frustration with the intricacies of Azure SQL Database's pricing structure, finding it less straightforward than Amazon RDS's billing model. A key differentiator for Azure SQL Database is its deep compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, making it a relatively smooth transition for businesses already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. This compatibility extends to tools and functionalities, allowing for a familiar experience for developers and administrators. However, this strength can also be perceived as a weakness, as some users felt that Azure SQL Database's close ties to the SQL Server ecosystem limited its flexibility and innovation compared to cloud-native solutions. In conclusion, Azure SQL Database emerges as a solid choice for businesses heavily reliant on the Microsoft ecosystem, particularly those seeking to migrate existing SQL Server workloads to the cloud. Its scalability and integration with other Azure services make it a powerful platform for data-intensive applications. However, businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness and seeking a more platform-agnostic solution might find Amazon RDS to be a more suitable option. 

Show more 

### Analyst Rating Summary 

Overall Scores 

Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, SQL Server has an analyst rating of 81\. By comparison to SQL Server alternatives, IBM DB2 has an analyst rating of 83, Oracle Database has an analyst rating of 84, Amazon RDS has an analyst rating of 76, and Azure SQL Database has an analyst rating of 80\. 

SQL Server - Analyst Score: 81 out of 100 81 

IBM DB2 - Analyst Score: 83 out of 100 83 

Oracle Database - Analyst Score: 84 out of 100 84 

Amazon RDS - Analyst Score: 76 out of 100 76 

Azure SQL Database - Analyst Score: 80 out of 100 80 

Features Comparison 

**Data Definition and Manipulation**  
Provides a structured framework for defining, storing, and manipulating data, enabling efficient data organization and retrieval. 

100 

100 

100 

98 

100 

**Data Integration and Interoperability**  
Facilitates seamless data integration and interoperability with other systems and applications, enabling efficient data sharing and analysis. 

93 

96 

90 

73 

64 

**Data Management and Partitioning**  
Offers efficient data management and partitioning capabilities, optimizing database performance and scalability for large-scale data storage and retrieval. 

86 

96 

90 

81 

93 

[Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Relational Databases) 

Strengths 

The best features of SQL Server, IBM DB2, Oracle Database, Amazon RDS and Azure SQL Database as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. 

Data Definition and Manipulation

Querying

Transaction Management

Integrations and Extensibility

Data Integration and Interoperability

Data Definition and Manipulation

Performance and Scalability

Querying

Transaction Management

Integrations and Extensibility

Data Definition and Manipulation

Integrations and Extensibility

Performance and Scalability

Platform Capabilities

Querying

Data Definition and Manipulation

Integrations and Extensibility

Transaction Management

Security

Performance and Scalability

Data Definition and Manipulation

Performance and Scalability

Security

Transaction Management

Integrations and Extensibility

### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Relational Databases) 

How all solutions compare against the top 6 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. 

SQL Server IBM DB2 Oracle Database Amazon RDS Azure SQL Database 

\+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Relational Databases) 

Data Definition and Manipulation Data Integration AndInteroperability Data Management AndPartitioning Platform Capabilities Querying TransactionManagement 100 93 86 93 100 100 100 96 96 92 100 100 100 90 90 100 100 100 98 73 81 83 86 96 100 64 93 93 90 100 0 25 50 75 100 

Implementation Level of Effort Estimation 

**Supported:**  
Fully / moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. 

**Not Supported:**  
Requires workarounds, add-ons, partner integrations or custom development with or without additional costs. 

[Read more](#) 

**Data Definition and Manipulation**   
Provides a structured framework for defining, storing, and manipulating data, enabling efficient data organization and retrieval. 

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

**Data Integration and Interoperability**   
Facilitates seamless data integration and interoperability with other systems and applications, enabling efficient data sharing and analysis. 

100%

100%

75%

25%

25%

75%

25%

75%

**Data Management and Partitioning**   
Offers efficient data management and partitioning capabilities, optimizing database performance and scalability for large-scale data storage and retrieval. 

75%

25%

100%

75%

25%

75%

25%

100%

**Platform Capabilities**   
Offers cross-platform compatibility, enabling organizations to deploy and manage databases across various operating systems and hardware platforms. 

83%

17%

83%

17%

100%

67%

33%

83%

17%

**Querying**   
Provides powerful query languages, enabling users to retrieve, analyze, and manipulate data efficiently, supporting informed decision-making and business intelligence. 

100%

100%

100%

75%

25%

75%

25%

**Transaction Management**   
Ensures data consistency and integrity through robust transaction management, preventing data loss and ensuring accurate data processing. 

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Relational Databases) 

Implementation Level of Effort Estimation 

**Supported:**  
Fully / moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. 

**Not Supported:**  
Requires workarounds, add-ons, partner integrations or custom development with or without additional costs. 

[Read more](#) 

**Integrations and Extensibility**   
Seamlessly integrates with other applications and data sources, enabling organizations to build complex data solutions and leverage the power of data-driven insights. 

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

**Performance and Scalability**   
Offers robust performance and scalability, enabling organizations to handle large datasets and complex queries efficiently, supporting business growth and critical applications. 

60%

40%

100%

100%

80%

20%

100%

**Security**   
Prioritizes data security, safeguarding sensitive information through robust encryption, access controls, and data privacy measures. 

88%

12%

75%

25%

88%

12%

100%

100%

**Analyst Message:**In effort to simplify your complex software decisions, this information is based on all industries and company sizes. We advise you to drill further into our data to discover how this information looks for your unique needs. 

[CUSTOMIZE THIS DATA ](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Relational Databases) 

### User Sentiment Summary 

SQL Server has a user sentiment rating of 89 based on 7780 reviews. IBM DB2 has a user sentiment rating of 85 based on 1235 reviews. Oracle Database has a user sentiment rating of 86 based on 3793 reviews. Amazon RDS has a user sentiment rating of 90 based on 1560 reviews. Azure SQL Database has a user sentiment rating of 89 based on 843 reviews. 

![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 7780 reviews 

![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 1235 reviews 

![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 3793 reviews 

![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 1560 reviews 

![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 843 reviews 

Synopsis 

Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 

89% 

of users recommend this product

SQL Server has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 7780 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites. 

85% 

of users recommend this product

IBM DB2 has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 1235 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites. 

86% 

of users recommend this product

Oracle Database has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 3793 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites. 

90% 

of users recommend this product

Amazon RDS has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 1560 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. 

89% 

of users recommend this product

Azure SQL Database has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 843 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. 

User Review Scores 

**G2.com, Inc** 

**4.4** (2221) 

**4.1** (672) 

**4.3** (968) 

**4.5** (1054) 

**4.5** (333) 

**Capterra Inc** 

**4.6** (1980) 

**4.4** (52) 

**4.6** (469) 

**4.7** (217) 

n/a 

**Gartner, Inc** 

**4.4** (1929) 

**4.7** (273) 

**4.5** (1151) 

n/a 

**4.5** (227) 

**TrustRadius** 

**4.3** (1650) 

**4.2** (238) 

**4.0** (1205) 

**4.3** (289) 

**4.4** (283) 

### Awards 

SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. 

![Querying Award]()

![Querying Award]()

![Performance and Scalability Award]()

![Analysts' Pick Award]()

![Platform Capabilities Award]()

Show more

![Querying Award]()

![Integrations and Extensibility Award]()

![Performance and Scalability Award]()

![User Favorite Award]()

![Performance and Scalability Award]()

![Security Award]()

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Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

Email

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

Email

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

### Product Basics 

Company Size 

i 

Small

Medium

Large

Small

Medium

Large

Small

Medium

Large

Small

Medium

Large

Small

Medium

Large

Platforms Supported 

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Deployment Supported 

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

### Top Alternatives in Relational Databases 

[  Amazon Aurora ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/amazon-aurora/) [  Amazon RDS ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/amazon-rds/) [  Azure SQL Database ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/azure-sql-database/) [  Firebird ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/firebird-database/) [  Google Cloud SQL ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/google-cloud-sql/) [  HSQLDB ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/hsqldb/) [  IBM DB2 ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/ibm-db2/) [  MariaDB ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/mariadb/) [  MySQL ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/mysql/) [  Oracle Database ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/relational-database-solutions/oracle-database/) 

### Related Categories 

These products can also be found with other leading products in these categories: 

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**About SelectHub (and our data)** 

We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies.

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**Supported:**  
Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. 

**Not Supported:**  
Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor at an additional cost. At most, requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 

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